NewsClick HR Head Files Application to Become Govt Witness

New Delhi: Amit Chakravarty, the HR head of NewsClick – the news website booked under anti-terror law UAPA for allegedly receiving funding to broadcast Chinese propaganda in India, approached the court to become a government witness.

He got his statement recorded on Saturday and filed his plea in Delhi’s Patiala House Court, reported NDTV. He has sought a pardon in exchange for “material information” about the case, reported news agency PTI.

Chakravarty along with NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha was arrested by Delhi police on October 3. Both are lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.

Delhi police initiated action against NewsClick after The New York Times reported that the portal received crores from organizations linked to Neville Roy Singham, an American millionaire reportedly linked to Chinese state-run media.

NewsClick is accused of having received Rs 9.59 crore in funding from the United States registered Worldwide Media Holdings LLC in 2018/19 in violation of FDI, or foreign direct investment, laws.

NewsClick and Mr Purkayastha have denied all charges.